This book is an abridged version of the five-volume History of Aurangzib and covers mainly the political and a brief economic history of the reign of the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzib, the most controversial figure in Indian?history.
The book starts with his initial years and his first Deccan campaign. It discusses the fratricidal wars, followed by his coronation and the confinement of his father Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor. It further deals with the emergence of Shivaji, his attitude towards his Hindu subjects, and his campaigns in the frontier regions (Afghanistan and Assam). It describes the history of Aurangzib's longest struggle with the Maratha chiefs in much greater detail and deals with the eclipse of the Adil Shahi and Qutb Shahi Sultanates. The author ends with the last days of the Mughal emperor. Besides that, it covers Aurangzib's economic and administrative measures, along with a description of his personality?and?the?impact?of?his?reign.
Chapter 1. Early Life, 16184652 1
Chapter 2. Second Viceroyalty Of The Deccan, 1652-1658 . 25
Chapter 3. Illness Of Shah Jahan And Rebellion Of His Sons 44
Chapter 4. War Of Succession ; Aurangzib Triumphs 58
Chapter 5. War Of Succession ; End Of Dara And Shuja 76
Chapter 6. First Half Of The Reign : A General Sketch 100
Chapter 7. Wars On The Frontiers : Assam And Afghanistan .. 122
Chapter 8. Aurangzib's Religious Policy And Hindu Reaction To It 148
Chapter 9. War In Rajputana ; Rebellion Of Akbar .. 169
Chapter 10. Rise Of The Maratha Power 184
Chapter 11. Shivaji, 1670-1680 218
Chapter 12. Decline And Fall Of Bijapur 241
Chapter 13. Decline And Fall Of The Qutb Shahs 268
Chapter 14. Reign Of Shambhuji, 1680-1689 286
Chapter 15. Struggle With The Marathas Up To 1700 314
Chapter 16. The Last Phase Of Aurangzib's Career .. 354
Chapter 17. Affairs Of Northern India ... 391
Chapter 18. Some Provinces During Aurangzib's Reign 419
Chapter 19. Aurangzib's Character And The Effect Of His Reign 441
Chapter 20. The Empire Of Aurangzib, Its Resources, Trade And Administrative System 475 Chronology 487
Index 497
Sir Jadunath Sarkar (1870-1958) was a scholar of medieval Indian history, specializing in Mughal dynasty. He studied at Presidency College, Calcutta. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University in?1899?and?knighted?in?1929.